Buyer Tips for Sarasota
Beachfront Home or Condo Buyers

Knowing how much to offer is one of the most difficult parts of buying a home.  A Buyers Agent can provide a list of recently sold properties of comparable size, location and amenities.  Comparing the prices of similar Sarasota area homes will tell you whether this property is realistically priced.

If the property has been on the market for a while, the owner may accept a below-market offer.  But, if the property is very desirable and other buyers are interested too, the seller will just reject your offer wasting everyone's time.  As your Buyers Agent I can do the analysis to show you the right price to offer.

Sarasota is a very much "in demand" area.   Property prices here, while still attractive, have been going up consistently.  Properties you saw last year are probably no longer available at that price.  If you want a home here, buy it NOW before the price goes up even more.

Deciding how large an earnest money deposit you should to make with your offer is an important step. You want your "earnest money deposit" to be large enough to show the seller you are serious, but not so large you are placing significant funds at risk. I will help you determine the right earnest money deposit amount given the market conditions is our area.

Be prepared to make decisions in a timely manner.  "Be prepared" is an important part of the process of buying real estate in Sarasota just because it is such an "in demand area." Homes here sell sometimes in hours. So, once you make an offer, be prepared to make decisions quickly and be accessible by phone or cellphone at all times to change the terms of your offer if necessary to be sure you get that home that is just perfect for you.

Don't forget about the tax advantage of home ownership.  Homeowners benefit from several generous tax advantages. The most important benefit is the mortgage interest deduction. You can deduct interest paid on mortgage loans totaling up to $1 million used to buy, build or improve a principal residence or a second home.

Get real estate advice from a Licensed Realtor®.  Don't count on Cousin Bob who was a Realtor® long ago.  Realtors representing the Seller won't necessarily tell you all you need to know, either. As your Buyer's Agent, I'm required by law to tell you everything I know that could affect the value of a home in the Sarasota Florida real estate market I serve.

For Resale Properties, always get a "Professional Inspection" between the acceptance of your offer and closing to uncover any major faults in the home. Then, the Seller, not you, pays to correct them.

For new construction homes or condos, decide what you want and stick with it.  Builders' sales reps may try to sell you upgrades which add little, if any, value to your home when you re-sell it.  I know which upgrades add value and which don't.

I can help you buy any waterfront or beachfront home at the right price.  New construction or existing homes that you see in "Newspaper Ads," by driving by "For Sale" or "For Sale By Owner" signs or by visiting an "Open House."  As your Buyers Agent, my objective will be to help you find the right Sarasota area real estate property at the right price.